Keeping your head above water during a flood

How a portable generator can help during heavy rainfall and flooding

People everywhere have been
experiencing unseasonable temperatures and fierce episodes of Mother Nature
expressing herself — such as heavy rains, which can lead to flooding. Floods are
one of the most dangerous, damaging and deadly natural disasters, according to the National Geographic Society. One useful tool to have handy during a flood is a portable
generator. It can help maintain electricity for important items when the power
goes out. However, it’s important to know how to properly purchase one and
safely operate it.

Flooding isn’t fun

Floods can lead to many dangerous and
life-threatening situations. They can cause power outages, damage roads,
overrun sewers, ruin crops, trigger landslides and more. National Geographic offers
helpful safety tips on
preparing for rising waters and what to do once a flood has begun.

Prepare for power outages

Heavy rains, hurricanes and flooding
are unpredictable. One way to prepare for flooding is to have an alternative
source of electricity if the power goes out. This is important in times when
flooding doesn’t require evacuation.

A portable generator can help keep
essential items powered, such as refrigerators, cooking appliances or home
medical devices. They can also be useful in keeping your smartphone charged, so
you can call for help, contact loved ones or just keep spirits high while
waiting for the power to be restored.

Ken Boyce, principal engineer director
of UL’s Energy and Power Technologies division recommends, “When shopping for a small generator, consumers
should first assess what they want powered to understand their potential power
needs. This will help determine the right portable generator to buy.”

Purchasing a portable generator

After you’ve determined your potential
power needs, it’s time to jump online or head off to the store. When shopping
online, be sure to read the product specifications and reviews or ask a store representative
help you choose the right generator.

“If you have a portable generator as
part of your disaster supply kit or are looking to buy one, make sure it’s UL Certified,”
Boyce said. “UL certification means the generator’s performance requirements
mitigates carbon monoxide poisoning. Consumers should look for the UL holographic label and Enhanced Mark on the product.”

Portable generators that are certified
to UL’s standard UL 2201 must have an automatic shutoff when carbon monoxide
reaches a certain level and its engine must significantly reduce carbon
monoxide emissions: a two-pronged safety approach.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Boyce went on to say, “Most deaths associated
with portable generators are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon
monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas. This means people won’t
know they have been overexposed to carbon monoxide, which is why so many deaths
occur from carbon monoxide poisoning. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak
after your generator has been running, turn off the generator, move to fresh
air and call 911.”

Using your generator safely

“Generators should only be used outside
and 20-feet away from any living space,” Boyce said. “People should avoid using
generators inside a garage or any other attached living space or space where
people will congregate.”

Portable generators are not all created
equal. Check if your generator is fit for all-weather usage. Generators that
are not weatherproof can increase the risk of electrical shock when operating
in wet conditions. Water and electricity don’t mix. They are a dangerous and
deadly combination — so always keep them separate. Lastly, be sure to read the
owner’s manual in detail to learn proper operation.

Storage and maintaining your generator

Always reference the owner’s manual on
correct use, storage and maintenance of your generator. Planning ahead on how
you’re going to use the generator will help you determine what needs to be done
to proactively prepare for its safe use. Also, make sure you always have your
generator’s fuel on hand. And of course, safe storage of the fuel is key as
well. For added safety, store fuel outside of the home and use UL Certified
containers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has important
guidelines for portable generator use available here and here.

With ongoing climate change, it’s wise
for individuals and communities to be more prepared for natural disasters at any
time. A portable, safe, UL certified generator is one item that can be a powerful
tool in these situations.